Govt approves shopping tax break

BANGKOK, Nov 7 (TNA) – The Cabinet approved a year-end tax incentive for shoppers to boost spending. The government will allow each individual taxpayer a tax deduction of up to 15,000 baht on certain goods and services, purchased retailers and distributors registered under the value-added tax system between Nov 11 and Dec 3, said Prime Minister's Office Advisor Nutthaporn Jatusripitak. Meanwhile, purchases of liquor, beer, wine, tobacco, cars, motorcycles, ships and fuel for vehicles are not valid for the tax incentive. Bills for tour service and hotel rooms are not included. It is estimated that the tax break incentive will cost the government about two billion baht in tax revenue. Mr Nutthaporn said the government decided that it should be a short-term measure, so buyers make decision quickly and it will stimulate consumption and overall economy as targeted at year-end. The Department of Revenue is working in details whether air tickets of two low cost airlines, Nok Air and Air Asia will be included or not. Clarification will be made later. (TNA)